In
his autobiography the late Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, tells of his difficult
childhood.  Dave had been adopted, but did not learn of it until he was thirteen. 
His adoptive mother died when he was quite young.  His adoptive father ran through
several wives and he and Dave had a very tense relationship.  There was, however,
his adoptive grandmother, her name was Minnie Sinclair.  Dave said that Minnie
taught him about hard work, faith, excellence, prayer and many other important
ideas.  Later, after he became a huge success, Dave also became an advocate
for adoption.  Considering how difficult his relationship with is father was,
some people asked Dave how he could be so enthusiastic about adoption.  Dave
resounded that adoption had given him Minnie Sinclair and her wisdom, a mother’s
love, though he did not remember it.  Even though he had a very imperfect father,
he had a family.  While all families are imperfect, they give each member a
sense of belonging.

_______________

J.
Michael Shannon is professor of preaching at Cincinnati Bible College in Cincinnati,
OH.